TOUCHSTONE Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'touchstone' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of touchstone are criterion , gauge , standard , and yardstick . While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible. // fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

Q: When could 'criterion' be used to replace 'touchstone'?

The words criterion and touchstone can be used in similar contexts, but criterion may apply to anything used as a test of quality whether formulated as a rule or principle or not. // questioned the critic's criteria for excellence

Q: Where would 'gauge' be a reasonable alternative to 'touchstone'?

Although the words gauge and touchstone have much in common, gauge applies to a means of testing a particular dimension (such as thickness, depth, diameter) or figuratively a particular quality or aspect. // polls as a gauge of voter dissatisfaction

Q: When can 'standard' be used instead of 'touchstone'?

While the synonyms standard and touchstone are close in meaning, standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority. // standards of behavior

Q: How do 'yardstick' and 'criterion' relate to one another, in the sense of 'touchstone'?

Yardstick is an informal substitute for criterion that suggests quantity more often than quality. // housing construction as a yardstick of economic growth

touchstone

noun

ˈtəch-ˌstōn

Definition of touchstone next

as in criterion

something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared his book has long been a touchstone for travel writing that aspires to be literature

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun touchstone contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of touchstone are criterion, gauge, standard, and yardstick. While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible.

fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

When could criterion be used to replace touchstone?

The words criterion and touchstone can be used in similar contexts, but criterion may apply to anything used as a test of quality whether formulated as a rule or principle or not.

questioned the critic's criteria for excellence

Where would gauge be a reasonable alternative to touchstone?

Although the words gauge and touchstone have much in common, gauge applies to a means of testing a particular dimension (such as thickness, depth, diameter) or figuratively a particular quality or aspect.

polls as a gauge of voter dissatisfaction

When can standard be used instead of touchstone?

While the synonyms standard and touchstone are close in meaning, standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority.

standards of behavior

How do yardstick and criterion relate to one another, in the sense of touchstone?

Yardstick is an informal substitute for criterion that suggests quantity more often than quality.

housing construction as a yardstick of economic growth

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of touchstone Kelleher and Watson aim to bridge the two Austin identities to ensure Waterloo Records remains a touchstone as the city evolves. —

Mars Salazar, Austin American-Statesman, 2 Jan. 2025 With multidimensional characters, juicy storylines, and Black culture front and center, The Gates will have impactful representation, one of the key touchstones of the venture. —

Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 17 Dec. 2024 Morrow shared his appreciation for the collaboration with Diageo, highlighting the brand’s dedication to supporting future leaders and celebrating rich traditions and cultural touchstones like the Bayou Classic. —

Shelby Stewart, Essence, 11 Dec. 2024 Time will tell, and no question, this will remain an important touchstone in her evolving career. —

Tom Teicholz, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for touchstone

Recent Examples of Synonyms for touchstone

Noun

The executive order signed by the president on Thursday called for the establishment of a working group on digital assets, whose tasks include proposing criteria for a crypto reserve.

— Anna Gleason, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2025
Discussions have included limiting the total amount students can borrow and tightening eligibility criteria for non-citizens.

— Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025